“I want my son to be well-educated and build a better life for himself and his family. That’s why schooling is important. But Saarthi has taught me that there are plenty of things which school and tuition cannot teach my child – things only I can teach my child”, says Mrs Payal (name changed).
Payal, mother of two, typically spent her day taking care of household duties. Until she became a part of Saarthi’s programme. she was unsure of what her son was learning in school and in tuition and felt that she would not have much to contribute in those areas of her son’s life. With Saarthi, not only has Payal gained the confidence to do interesting activities at home, but has also started to question the learning which takes place in her child’s school or tuition.
Saarthi is a non-profit start-up which empowers parents of low-income community to effectively engage with their children at home. Children spend 87% of waking hours a day at home. Hence, their family has a considerable impact on their development. The organization focuses on academic growth, development of socio-emotional skill and inculcation of cognitive abilities in children of primarily under 8 years of age through an avid involvement of their parents.
Founded by Ankit Arora, former Teach for India fellow and an engineering graduate, Saarthi today deals with nearly 5000 underprivileged families across 6 communities. He gained monumental knowledge about education space while working as an EdTech Programme Manager with Centre Square Foundation and was prompt to espy the importance of parental intervention in the holistic growth of their child.
Parents want their children to seek top-notch education, at par with the mainstream kids but fail to create a level playing field because they lack essential skills or resources to engage with their children’s schooling.
Saarthi has designed a comprehensive solution to meet the loopholes of the Indian education system which pays no emphasis on parents’ involvement in children’s education.They provide parents with a physical kits and pre-recorded calls which have engrossing activities. They conduct personal meetings to coach them regarding their role and responsibilities as a parent.
Parents and their children’s positive association will not only ensure better grades, foster high self-esteem, discipline, self-motivation in their child but will also make parents more informed decision makers, better goal setters and instil a sense of self-belief. Along with creating an environment conducive for learning and growth it will help children to realise their potential and set higher goals. It acquaints parents with their child’s strengths and weaknesses so they can extend a helping hand in the required areas. Thus, this model empowers both the child and their parent in many areas of life. Not to forget it also strengthens their bond.
Saarthi plans to reach a million families across urban and rural areas in India in the next five years through their existing solutions and transition to smartphone-based technology.
Saarthi has been a harbinger of hope for many families and truly stands to it’s meaning the charioteer, by guiding parents and ensuring a better childhood.
Note : Written by Khushboo and Snigdha Soni.